California Sober: Yay or Nay? Celebs Weigh In on Ditching Booze for Bud

So, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings, and even the legendary Willie Nelson have all dabbled in the 'California sober' lifestyle. But what is it, really? Is it a legitimate path to wellness, or just a trendy way to sidestep real sobriety? Let's dive in. 'California sober' generally means cutting out alcohol and other hard drugs while still using cannabis products. Dr. Cara A. Poland from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine notes it's rooted in the idea of switching to a 'safer' alternative. Journalist Michelle Lhooq may have popularized the term, describing her move to California and decision to limit herself to marijuana and psychedelics in a 2019 Vice article. However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Dr. Lori Karan, director of addiction medicine fellowship at Loma Linda University in California, warns about the medical and psychiatric risks of cannabis, plus the danger of using substances to mask emotions and the increased risk of relapsing to harder drugs. Even Demi Lovato, who once championed the lifestyle, later realized that "sober sober is the only way to be." **Here's the deal:** Replacing one substance with another can be tricky. Both alcohol and cannabis can lead to substance use disorders, and neither is a validated treatment option. People might think cannabis is less harmful, but the individual effects can vary wildly. Plus, it can perpetuate unhealthy relationships with substances, using them to regulate feelings instead of dealing with the root causes. Alcohol, as we know, has been linked to at least seven types of cancer. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has even called for warning labels on alcoholic beverages about the potential cancer risk. "There is growing scientific evidence that no amount of alcohol is good for you," Poland cautions. But some argue that sobriety isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Kim Gamez, founder of SOBER(ISH), believes that while some need full abstinence, others find balance by cutting out alcohol but using marijuana. She shared how hemp-derived products helped her mother, who battled alcoholism, feel included at social gatherings without the risks of alcohol. Karan, however, points out the misinformation surrounding cannabis, particularly with the increased potency of today's products. While our bodies naturally produce chemicals similar to those in cannabis, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. "Cannabis can cause memory difficulties, paranoia, psychosis, nausea and vomiting, and a myriad of other problems," she says. **The bottom line?** If you're struggling with addiction, talk to your doctor. Treatment options often include therapy and medications. There are even FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder, like naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate. Despite millions struggling with alcohol addiction, less than 10% get the treatment they need.